Abstract
The objective of the present study was to analyze the reasons that led to hormone therapies (HTs) regimen changes in women with breast cancer. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study from a single-institution Brazilian cancer center with patient records diagnosed with breast cancer between January 2012 and January 2017. From 1,555 women who were in treatment with HT, 213 (13.7%) women had HT switched, either tamoxifen to anastrozole or vice-versa. Most women included in the present study who switched HT were > 50 years old, postmenopausal, Caucasian, and had at least one comorbidity. From the group with therapy change, 'disease progression' was reason of change in 124 (58.2%) cases, and in 65 (30.5%) patients, 'presence of side effects' was the reason. From those women who suffered with side effects, 24 (36.9%) had comorbidities. The present study demonstrated a low rate of HT switch of tamoxifen to anastrozole. Among the reasons for changing therapy, the most common was disease progression, which includes cancer recurrence, metastasis or increased tumor. Side effects were second; furthermore, age and comorbidities are risk factors for side effects.
Highlights
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of gynecological cancer, and it is the highest cancer-related cause of death among them.[1]
The present study demonstrated a low rate of Hormone therapy (HT) switch of tamoxifen to anastrozole
From 1,555 women treated with HT, 213 (13.7%) underwent a HT change
Summary
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of gynecological cancer, and it is the highest cancer-related cause of death among them.[1] Oncological therapy includes surgery, radiotherapy and systemic therapy, as chemotherapy and hormone therapy.[2] Hormone therapy (HT), such as anastrozole and tamoxifen, is used for patients whose tumor is positive for estrogen receptor, which reaches 70% of BC cases. These tumors grow and proliferate as a result of estrogen action on its receptors.[3]. These classes of drugs are well tolerated, the drug-related side effects are one of the most important causes for non-adherence or treatment discontinuation.[4–6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia / RBGO Gynecology and Obstetrics
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
